Tirthankar Mahavir and His Sarvodaya Tirth

Author(s): Hukamchand Bharilla, K C Lalwani
Publisher: Kundkund Kahan Digambar Jain Trust

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TIRTHANKARA MAHAVIRA AND HIS SARVODAYA TIRTHA
Monk Risabhadeva continued to perform the severest penance, both internal and external, for the realisation of self, by remaining mute for a thousand years One day as he was completely immersed in self, he attained the highest, the supreme knowledge (kevala-jnāna). Indra, the king of the gods, came down to organise his first congregation (samavazarana). Brisabhasena, the younger brother of king Bharata became his first Ganadhara. Both the daughters of Risabha, Brahmi and Sundari, joined the order as nuns (Aryikā) and took charge of the female section of the spiritual order. Quite a large number of the four thousand kings who got initiated into monkhood with Risabhadeva and then parted company, came back to join the order and were initiated into it by Risabhadeva. But because of passion, Marici did not rectify his mistake and started opposing Bhagavan Risabhadeva by propagating an alternative faith of his own.
Then on the expiry of his life-span, Bhagavan Risabhadeva discarded his mortal frame on the top of Mount Kailasa and entered into nirvāra. As he was the first Tirthankara of the present down-phase of the cycle, he has also been called Adinatha.
One Question : Two Answers
SHORT STORE
After the above analysis, the most natural question that arises is, was Bhagavan Risabhadeva married and had wives ? Did he rule ? Did he impart lessons in farming, etc. ? Does a Bhagavan marry ? Does he rule ? Does he teach farming ? Does he have children ? If the answer is in the affirmative, what is the difference between him and us? He is just like us !
If this be true, then what does the marriage of a Bhagavan mean ? Where from did come the wives ? What is his need of a kingdom? Why did he teach farming, etc. ? For, a Bhagavan is the very embodiment of detachtment; and, for one wholly detached, such perversions as marriage is simply not possible. The fact is that he who got married was prince Risabha, he who had consorts was king Risabha, he who ruled was also king Risabha, he who taught farming was also king Risabha. These were not the activities of Bhagavan Risabha.